The First Shall Be Last: A 21st Century Resource for the Fourteenth Sunday After Pentecost, Year A

Call to Worship
Leader: Come all you people and give thanks to the Lord.

People: Come, let us call upon the name of the Lord.

Leader: Sing psalms to God and speak of God's wondrous works.

People: Our hearts rejoice. We glory in the Lord.

Leader: Seek the face of the Lord for evermore.

People: Let us recall the works, the wonders, and the judgments of the Lord.

Leader: Come, let us greet this great God with our hymn of praise.

Hymn of Praise "My Tribute," 99, United Methodist Hymnal

Litany
(Based on Matthew 20:1-16)
Leader: Come, let us give an account of our lives to God.

People: The first shall be last, and the last shall be first.

Leader: Let us give an account of our stewardship, everything we have done since we said yes to Jesus.

People: The first shall be last, and the last shall be first.

Leader: The harvest is great, but there are just a few of us.

People: The first shall be last, and the last shall be first.

Leader: We must work while it is day because when night comes, none of us will be able to work.

People: The first shall be last, and the last shall be first.

Moments of silent reflection.

Leader: Come, give an account of your stewardship, everything you have done since you said yes to Jesus.

People: The last shall be first, and the first shall be last; for many are called, but few chosen. Amen.

Benediction
Saints of the Lord, it is time to go down from this mountaintop of worship.
Go now and live everyday like it is your last.
Leave this place and look forward to your "well done, good servant."
At a moments notice, be ready to pray, praise, and shout!

In all things, glorify God through the Savior, Jesus Christ. Amen.

The Rev. Dr. Eugene Blair is a clergy member of the Detroit Annual Conference, where he serves as the Director of the Office of African American Spiritual Formation. Dr. Blair is a former Dean of The Upper Room Chapel.

21st Century Africana Liturgy Resources: "Worship Resources for the Fourteenth Sunday After Pentecost, Year A" Copyright © 2005 Eugene Blair. Used with permission.